The Australian parliament on Thursday passed controversial encryption legislation that could result in tech companies being forced to give law enforcement access to encrypted customer messages.

As we reported in October, Apple opposed the legislation in a seven-page letter to the Australian parliament, calling the encryption bill „dangerously ambiguous“ and wide open to potential abuse by authorities.

Advocates of the bill, officially titled „Assistance and Access Bill 2018,“ argue it is essential to national security because encrypted communications are used by terrorist groups and criminals to avoid detection.

California is preparing to join several other states with a new Right to Repair bill, which will require smartphone manufacturers to provide repair information, replacement parts, and diagnostic tools to product owners and independent repair shops.

California Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman this afternoon announced plans to introduce the new California Right to Repair Act. Eggman says the bill will provide consumers with the freedom to choose a repair shop of their choice.

iPhone X image via iFixit

„The Right to Repair Act will provide consumers with the freedom to have their electronic products and appliances fixed by a repair shop or service [...]